Reese and Kate Sattler, husband and wife, have opened Rocky Bowl Bistro, 6821 Space Village Ave., which is outside the north gate at Peterson Space Force Base.

The couple have experience in working in the restaurant industry, with Reese serving for 11 years in various front of the house positions. Kate, who is running the kitchen at the bistro, has worked at Thai Mint for four years, honing her self-taught culinary skills.

“Kate taught herself how to cook,” Reese said. “She taught herself how to do everything, from filleting a fish to cutting up 50 pounds of beef to cutting veggies a certain way to make them more beautiful. And the taste of her sauces are from her instinct and personal research.”

As for Reese, his experience is instantly apparent with his friendly welcome to guests coming into the Rocky Bowl Bistro. Many of the customers who came in during our visit seemed like regulars because Reese immediately remembered them by name and what they had ordered the day before. And at that point the eatery had only been open for a week. It’s apparent he’s a good fit for the job with his people skills.

And Kate’s cooking talent also shines. The couple of dishes we sampled off the signature bowl menu were expertly prepared, beautifully plated and arrived quickly to the table.

We tried the Pad Ka Prow ($13.45) and Tofu Lover ($12.45). Both were amazingly delicious and generous. We asked for a spicy dish and Reese recommended The Pad Ka Prow, which was a stir-fry and spot-on authentic Thai spicy. Nothing dumbed down in this dish of minced pork, Thai holy basil sauce, garlic and chile peppers. It’s served with a large scoop of steamed rice with beautifully fried egg balanced on top of the rice.

The crispy tofu was plentiful and came with a choice of peanut sauce, pineapple sesame sauce, teriyaki sauce or cilantro mayo or made as bang bang tofu. We went with peanut sauce for a satisfying dish.

The breakfast menu offers an American breakfast ($12.95) with bacon, eggs, potatoes and mini pancakes and a Rocky Wrap with several choices of protein. Other options are Asian favorites like congee, rice soup boa bun and steamed buns. There are a few appetizers, a burger, chicken sandwich, more bowls, drinks and desserts.

Hours are 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Details: 719-629-9043, tinyurl.com/yd6n2teu.

Airplane Christmas

The Airplane Restaurant, 1665 N. Newport Road, offers a Christmas Day buffet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with a carving station with prime rib, ham and turkey. There will also be smoked fresh salmon, peel and eat shrimp, and smoked pork tenderloin over braised maple apples. Side dishes include a fruit and veggie tray, salads, vegetables, a variety of fresh bread, smashed potatoes and desserts. Prices are $52, $30 for seniors and $20 for children 6-12 years old (under 6 children eat free). Reservations recommended. Details: 719-570-7656, theairplanerestaurant.com.

Colorado gets some appreciation

The Broadmoor Colorado Appreciation menus for 2025 have been released and will be offered Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 (excluding Feb. 9-16).

The prix-fixe three-course menus will be available at these restaurants: Golden Bee ($49 per person), Restaurante del Lago ($59 per person) and La Taverne restaurants ($69 per person) plus tax and tip per menu. The menus are available for lunch and dinner at Golden Bee and for dinner only at Restaurante del Lago and La Taverne.There’s a mix of vegetarian and vegan options.

Each diner may select an appetizer and an entrée from a choice of three and a dessert from a choice of two. Entrees offered at Restorante del Lago include Rigatoni ai Funghi (mushroom ragu), chicken Milanese or cauliflower Bistecca. La Taverne entrée choices include Angus beef hanger steak and frites, chicken breast a la Meunière and vegetarian mushroom Bolognese.

The Golden Bee entrée selections include broiled salmon, red lentil Indian curry or shepherd’s pie.

Details: Dining reservations at 855-421-4301, broadmoor.com/dining; visit tinyurl.com/3dksrx77 to see full menus and for other Community Appreciation specials at The Broadmoor for rooms, golf and tennis.

Cooking classes

Chefs’ Kitchen, 1753 S. Eighth St., is offering an adult cooking class and a kid’s cooking camp with culinary instructor Abigail Lucas. Details: 719-472-4552, tinyurl.com/2dkxrbrp.

Here’s a look at the classes:

• Brunch & Beyond, 9-10 a.m. Saturday is a hands-on cooking class. For $95 plus service, you learn to make cran-orange punch (boozy or non-boozy), three-cheese egg strata, eggnog-stuffed French toast, potato latkes with herb creme fraiche and winter citrus salad. After the kitchen session, you sit down with fellow students to enjoy brunch. Leave with recipes to prepare your next brunch.

• Holiday Break Mini-Camp: Baking & Cooking, Dec. 30-Jan. 1 for ages 7-14. The drop-off mini-camp costs $215 for hands-on instruction with recipes and learning a foundation in kitchen safety. The class menus include:

Day 1: Breakfast Burritos & Candied Bacon. Kids will learn how to make their very own breakfast burritos and crispy candied bacon. Day 2: Italian Fresh Pasta & Sauce. Kids will learn to make fresh pasta and red sauce to pair with it. Day 3: Tart, Pie or Galette. Kids choose which recipe they want to learn to make. At the end of each day kids will leave with a tasty new dish they can share with family.

Events at the church

The Carter Payne, 320 S. Weber St., historic church, wedding and event center is offering Pasta and Beer — A Community Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Jan. 11. For $30 you get a family-style dinner featuring two pasta dishes, salad and dessert. A la carte beverages available. Tickets at tinyurl.com/3ask5xht.